Former President Donald Trump recently indicated negotiations between TikTok’s parent company ByteDance and potential buyers are progressing, with expectations that a resolution will emerge ahead of the April 5 deadline. Speaking to reporters, Trump emphasized strong interest in the platform, stating, “We have a lot of potential buyers… I’d like to see TikTok remain alive.”
The deadline extension to April 5 followed an executive order signed earlier this year, delaying enforcement actions against the app. This marked the latest development in a years-long effort to address national security concerns tied to TikTok’s Chinese ownership.
Recent reports highlight private equity firm Blackstone as a key player in ongoing discussions. The firm is reportedly evaluating a minority investment in TikTok’s U.S. operations, potentially joining existing non-Chinese shareholders—including Susquehanna International Group and General Atlantic—to pool capital for a bid. This consortium has positioned itself as a leading contender in the negotiations.
Trump has previously suggested flexibility on the deadline, leaving room for further extensions if a deal appears imminent. The outcome of these talks could reshape TikTok’s ownership structure and operational independence in the U.S. market.
